Associate Lecturer

Position: ASSOCIATE LECTURER.3.01 (NS.09.4)

Brief Description

About the Position

The School of Chemistry seeks an emerging academic with research expertise in biophysical inorganic chemistry, especially in areas such as:

Spectroscopy applied to metal complexes, biomolecules, or therapeutic agents

Structure–function relationships in bioinorganic systems

Metal-based chemo therapeutics, catalysis, or bio
¿ sensing

Integration of spectroscopy with modern data
¿ driven or computational approaches (e.g., AI/ML
¿ assisted analysis).

The successful candidate will contribute to the school’s growing strengths in bioinorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, and interdisciplinary chemical sciences. They will also play a key role in developing capacity in a strategically important field where South Africa faces a significant national skills shortage.

This nGAP position aligns with national priority areas in the Bioeconomy, Health innovation, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as Wits University’s strategic initiatives in machine intelligence, chemical and biological sciences, and advanced spectroscopy.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the DHET eligibility criteria for nGAP positions:

A Master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field (with at least 70% average) is required.

Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, with emerging outputs in spectroscopy, inorganic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, or related areas.

Evidence of teaching ability or potential for high
¿ quality teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Commitment to developing an independent research programme aligned with the school’s strategic priorities.

Only South African citizens are eligible for nGAP appointments.

Be 40 years or younger.

Key Responsibilities

The appointee will:

Conduct high
¿ quality research in biophysical inorganic chemistry, with a strong spectroscopy component.

Develop an independent research trajectory leading to postgraduate supervision and external funding applications.

Contribute to teaching in inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and related areas at undergraduate and honours levels.

Engage in curriculum innovation aligned with 4IR developments in chemical sciences.

Participate in the School’s research culture, seminars, collaborative projects, and strategic initiatives.

Contribute to equity transformation within the academic workforce.

During the first three years, the appointee will benefit from a reduced teaching load, enabling focused academic development, as stipulated in the nGAP guidelines

To apply:Submit a letter of motivation specifying the relevance of the applicant’s experience, as well as a description of research, teaching and other relevant activities; and detailed CV with names, current e-mail addresses and contact numbers of 3 current referees, certified copies of qualifications, academic transcripts and South African  (Application should be submitted as one merged document). External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profiles on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at Internal employees may apply directly on Oracle Self-Service on the Wits Intranet by selecting “Apply for a Job”.

Applicants must meet the requirements of the DHET nGAP position in addition to the requirements of the University. Full details about the nGAP initiative are available at: SSAUF.
An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.
Enquiries only
:
Further information can be obtained from the Head of School, Prof. C De Koning.

Correspondence will be entered into with short-listed candidates only. Shortlisted applicants must be available for a personal interview.
Closing date
:07 March 2026

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process.

The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.“The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the university. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates”.

Committed to excellence and equity.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements Additional Details